Bus

Calif. agency unveils 2 Proterra buses

San Joaquin RTD GM/CEO Donna DeMartino and Proterra VP, Sales and Marketing, Ian Shackelton stand in front of one of SJRTD’s two new Proterra EcoRide all-electric buses following the launch event earlier this week.

Stockton, Calif.-based San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) publicly unveiled its two Proterra EcoRide buses, funded through a $2.56 million grant from the California Energy Commission under its successful Alternative and Renewable Fuel and Vehicle Technology Program established under California Assembly Bill 118.

The latest deployment, the first in northern California, continues Proterra’s expansion in public transit. Proterra has more than tripled transit agency orders under contract for the company’s flagship EcoRide in the past 12 months alone and is planning for its current growth path to continue.

The two composite body buses will operate on RTD’s Route 51, which will enable the buses to recharge at RTD’s Downtown Transit Center.

“We’re excited to be a part of an historic new era of zero-emission public transportation, and we are proud of what we can now offer to those who live and work in our region,” said RTD GM/CEO Donna DeMartino. “RTD is a local leader in the adoption of technologies that improve the environment and provide better services for our customers and our community.”

Proterra executives have worked closely with San Joaquin RTD, the California Energy Commission and CALSTART on this new electric bus project.

Tier One modernizes 300 stops along two of GRTC’s busiest routes with each stop receiving upgrades that include new flags with clearly visible route and bus stop numbers as well as eye-level, easy-to-use printed schedule and map information.

The 8.3-mile route, with a proposed 27 stops, would replace the Capital Area Transportation Authority’s current Route 1 from downtown Lansing to the Meridian Mall. Results from the plan’s environmental assessment study are expected to be shared at a public hearing this fall.